WINSFORD is set to appoint its own town crier after taking inspiration from neighbouring town Middlewich, who appointed their first town crier in more than 100 years in 2014.

Loudmouth Winsfordians are being urged to put their skill to good use to promote the town’s events, by having a go at becoming the new town crier for Winsford.

Devlin Hobson was appointed the Middlewich town crier in 2014 and has helped promote Middlewich’s packed calendar of events so well, that Winsford mayor Cllr Steve Smith approached him for some advice.

Cllr Smith said: “It was my idea. It was one of the things that I wanted to bring to the town during my mayoral term this time. I wanted to start the March Fest, I wanted to improve transport links to the town, and I wanted to bring a town crier volunteer role to Winsford.

“We saw what Devlin was doing in Middlewich and thought it would be a great thing for us to do at our events too. I spoke to Devlin and he’s been really good, he’s offered to help us find someone and to help our new town crier along.

“It will be really good for events like the Salt Fair, March Fest and the Christmas lights switch-on. It will be key events that that person will be expected to do their bit but as well as that they can compete in competitions around the country and represent Winsford.”

The competition will be held in Winsford Cross Shopping Centre from 10am to noon this Saturday, April 8.

Devlin will be leading the competition and will be on hand to give information about what the role entails.

Devlin said: “We’re going to try and run it like a competition so people can come and have a go and we’ll pick a person who comes across the best, but we’re also going to do some interviews as well.

“I take it as a real pat on the back to be honest – I’m really pleased that they approached me, it means I must be doing something right.

“The benefits for the town are through promotion. The town crier can promote your town and the events and hopefully bring people to those events by spreading the word. As well as that though, to have a town crier at civic functions to make announcements makes it that bit more formal.”

Jonathan Williams, Middlewich town clerk, added: “I would encourage Winsford Town Council to appoint a town crier – it is a wonderful tradition and their presence really enhances any event or occasion. I would be delighted to welcome the Winsford town crier to a future Middlewich competition.”

For more information speak to Winsford town clerk Mark Bailey on 01606 593582.